MediaAlpha Inc.
NYSE: MAX · COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION
Updated 2026-04-30
MediaAlpha Inc. (MAX) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for MAX.
Current price exceeds what fundamentals support. Risk/reward skewed unfavorably.
MAX historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in MAX's own 5Y range.
MAX intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
MAX valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 25.31x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 0.49x
Is MAX overvalued in 2026?
MediaAlpha Inc. (MAX) currently trades at $8.51 per share with a market capitalization of $544,524,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock appears richly valued with a Smart Value Score of 40/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 25.3x, below its 5-year median of 25.8x.
Looking at its own history, MAX is currently trading cheaper than 56% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 44th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates MAX's intrinsic value at $27.92 per share, against the current market price of $8.51. This implies a margin of safety of +72.53%. A meaningful cushion exists against model error, making this a reasonable risk-adjusted entry.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: MAX appears richly valued on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 40/100. At current levels the risk/reward is skewed against the buyer. A materially lower price or significant operational improvement would be needed to change the picture.
Frequently asked questions
Is MAX overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 40/100, MAX appears overvalued. Current price exceeds what fundamentals currently justify.
What is MAX's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates MAX's intrinsic value at $27.92 per share, versus the current price of $8.51. This produces a margin of safety of +72.53%.
What P/E ratio does MAX trade at?
MAX trades at a P/E of 25.3x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 25.8x.
Is MAX a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 40/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile skews cautious. Consider waiting for a better price or clearer operational improvement.
How does MAX's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, MAX currently sits in the 44th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is below its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is MAX's Smart Value Score?
MAX's Smart Value Score is 40/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.